The fountain features two brass rings embedded in the iron railing, one of which rotates and is said to grant wishes when turned.
The structure was originally intended to be the spire for the nearby Frauenkirche but was repurposed as a fountain.
It displays the Seven Electors of the Holy Roman Empire alongside figures from the Nine Worthies.
The base includes the four Evangelists and the four Church Fathers.
The original sandstone statues were removed in 1903; the current figures are high-quality stone cast reproductions.
The fountain has survived numerous conflicts and urban redevelopments since the 14th century.
A second ring, often missed by tourists, is fixed in place and serves as a local test of observation.
The Schöner Brunnen is a 19-meter-high, 14th-century Gothic fountain located on the main square of Nuremberg. It resembles a tapering stone church spire, featuring 40 polychrome figures representing the Holy Roman Empire's worldview. The structure consists of an openwork stone canopy built by Heinrich Beheim between 1385 and 1396. It features intricate stone carvings of electors, prophets, and philosophers. The original sandstone figures were replaced by copies in 1903 to protect them from environmental damage, with the originals currently held in the Germanisches Nationalmuseum. The fountain is enclosed by a decorative wrought-iron grill featuring a famous brass ring. Visitors traditionally rotate the ring for good luck, a practice documented since the early 19th century.
From the south side of the fountain to capture the spire aligned with the background architecture of the Hauptmarkt.
Spin the brass ring located on the left side of the fence to test your luck.
Visit during the early morning to photograph the spire without crowds.
Look for the second, fixed ring on the opposite side of the fence for a local challenge.
Do not overlook the second ring on the other side of the gate, which is the actual 'test' ring for many locals.
The protective wooden casing is installed annually during the Christmas market season to prevent frost damage to the sandstone.
